Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Mersine Romeli.
Julie Mersine, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Mira Couture has a long history. The business began in 1970 out in Glenview, Illinois by Mira Horoszowski. It started as a custom clothing business for women and grew to include other designers’ collections both in bridal and formal wear. In the 1980s’s the business moved locations from the suburbs to the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood.
I joined Mira Couture in 2011 as the manager, and in 2014 purchased the business from Mira. Mira and I have a very special relationship. She is my mentor, my motivator, and my cheerleader. She was the best boss, and now, she is the best employee and top salesperson. We are very like-minded and similar spirited people, and honestly, love each other like family. I really hoped to make it as seamless of a transition as possible, and I believe we have made a smooth change in ownership.
I received my degree in Fashion Design from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). After graduation, I spent some time working in the bridal industry in Birmingham, Michigan. Simultaneously, I began building a custom fashion design business of my own and moved back to Chicago. While I was working on my business plan and researching competition, I came across Mira Couture. In that moment, Mira happened to be looking to hire a new manager and we both believe it was fate that we met each other!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think my biggest challenges are probably still ahead of me. Having Mira, the longtime owner and founder of the business, alongside me every day is a tremendous advantage. It gives me the opportunity to continue to learn from her and be able to bounce ideas off of her. She is a huge support, and I know her expertise, presence, and passion for the industry are invaluable assets that have helped me to succeed. Mira is turning XX this year, and although she is the healthiest and most energetic (and fashionable) XX-year old I know, I have to be realistic about the future. I imagine my biggest obstacle will be having to run the business entirely on my own. Not only will it be challenging because of the benefits for the business, but also because we have such a special bond.
Mira Couture – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Mira Couture is a bridal gown boutique and custom design house. The marriage of the two businesses together is what sets us apart from any other company. We carry bridal collections just as any other bridal boutique does, however, the major difference is that each Mira Couture bride works with a designer and couture dressmakers, not just a sales person or just any alterations tailor. For the bride who likes a wedding gown but wishes it had sleeves, or a removable over skirt, or a different neckline, or a lower back, and the list goes on…Mira Couture can do it.
For the bride who wants to have a dress like no other bride, or who knows what she wants but just cannot find it anywhere, there is the option to custom design and create a custom gown with an in-house designer! No matter what you are looking for, there is always a way to make that vision come to life at Mira Couture.
As Mira Couture is approaching its 50th anniversary, the level of expertise found within its team is unparalleled. Many of the couture dressmakers were trained in Europe and can now boast 15, 20, even 30 years working for Mira. The in-house pattern maker is extremely talented and hand drafts each pattern to fit each customer’s measurements. The collection of fabrics is exquisite and extensive, from some of the finest laces made in Italy and France to prints, brocades, embroideries, metallic tweeds, not to mention gorgeous silks in every color imaginable. Mira is a self-proclaimed fabric-a-holic, and it shows by looking on the shelves that line the showroom floor.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I think success has a lot to do with happiness. For me, in the business sense, I feel I have accomplished my goal when our customers are happy. I have the ability to make them feel beautiful, pampered, make their life easier. Every customer that leaves the store with a positive experience is another success.
Pricing:
- Bridal Gown Collections range from $1800-$15,000, the majority of the collection falls between $2000-$5500
- Formal Wear Collections range from $1800-$6000
- Custom designs start around $1400 for a very simple basic dress, and can be as expensive and as extravagant as you’d like!
Contact Info:
- Address: 1 East Delaware Place
Chicago, Illinois 60611 - Website: www.miracouture.com
- Phone: 312-255-1699
- Email: miracouture@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mira_couture/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/miracouture
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MiraCouture
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/mira-couture-chicago
Image Credit:
Nicholas James Photography
Rachael Osborn Photography
Mary Carol Fitzgerald
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
